What is Coeliac Disease?

Firstly, it is a real thing so let`s put that to bed. Sure, some people go off foods containing gluten for losing weight and are perhaps following a trend. Also, some people are sensitive to gluten but would not be diagnosed as coeliacs and would have the same range of complaints.

What is Coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease is the most severe form of gluten intolerance. It is a chronic disease of the small intestine, is one of the autoimmune diseases and it may lead to damage in the digestive tract if left untreated.

It is based on an incompatibility with gluten, which occurs in cereals wheat, rye, spelt and barley all of which are used in some of our favourite foods like bread, pasta, cakes etc.

In the small intestine of Coeliacs, gluten causes inflammation of the small intestine villi responsible for nutrient uptake. Due to the inflammation, the villi in the intestine that would normally absorb nutrients are affected. Thus, the nutrient absorption is reduced by the small intestine which negatively affects the health of a coeliac.

What are the symptoms?

Both forms of gluten intolerance can cause widespread symptoms, many of which have nothing to do with digestion. Often there are several symptoms that can occur individually. One of the frustrations that is common amongst people is the large number of different symptoms often makes a quick diagnosis difficult.

Other symptoms may include joint and muscle pain, depression and anxiety, mind fog and confusion

How is Coeliac disease diagnosed?

If coeliac disease is suspected then it can only be diagnosed by taking a blood test and the blood should be tested for the following specific antibodies:

Total IgA

Anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA and IgG

Anti-endomysium IgA and IgG

Anti-gliadin IgA and anti-gliadin IgG

This blood test can be arranged with the family doctor. He sends the sample to a laboratory for evaluation. In case of positive antibody findings, a small bowel biopsy should be performed and your family doctor can arrange this for you.

How is Coeliac disease treated?

There are no medicines for treating coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. The only thing for it a totally gluten-free diet. Only then can the small intestinal mucosa regenerate and ensure a normal nutrient uptake. The good news is that in most cases, a few weeks after the change in diet there is an improvement and the disease symptoms disappear. This is where you have to be careful because even taking the smallest amounts of gluten can again lead to inflammation and discomfort. It can then take several days to return to normal. Fortunately the Foods of Athenry have you covered for your Rocky Road addiction:).

Can I be cured of Coeliac disease?

It is a very short answer. No. Coeliac disease is not curable! The only currently scientifically recognized therapy is a lifelong gluten free diet. The good thing is that there are more and more products coming online and a much greater awareness amongst the food industry and you can find many restaurants providing gluten free food. The upside and there is always an upside if you take a pause is that you get to explore new foods, new ways of cooking and baking and a healthier life. Your health is your wealth after all.

How long does it take to switch to a gluten free diet?

It is easy to switch to a gluten free diet and the thing is that the majority of patients with coeliac disease usually respond to a gluten-free diet within a short time. It all depends on the person and their diagnosis but most people show significant improvement within weeks to months after switching to a gluten-free diet. I am going to shamelessly plug our shop. We have a great variety of products made with the finest ingredients that are available so pop into the shop on this link and have a lookop into the shop on this link and have a look. We deliver and a lot of our products are available in supermarkets and health shops around the country.

What can i eat or naturally gluten-free foods?

There are a number of gluten free foods that exist so all you need is some creativity:

Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables are naturally gluten-free. Although do be careful if you pick canned fruit or veg as some of the ingredients may contain gluten.

Water,100% fruit, juice, Coffee, TeaSome alcoholic beverages, including wine, hard ciders and beers made from gluten-free grains, such as buckwheat or sorghum

Processed foods: you do need to become a label reader and familiarise yourself with the terms. If it does not state GLUTEN FREE then it is not for you no matter how much you want it. Have a look at any of our products in the online shop to see what it means to be gluten free.

it`s a change - go with it

If you have been diagnosed, the main thing is not to worry. You just need to go gluten free. There are many people who are leading normal lies including some very famous faces such as John Cleese and Novak Djokovic who do not eat gluten and are thriving. There is support throughout the world if you are going travelling.

Recipe Page

We have several recipes that would be of interest to you so head over to that page on our site and see what takes your fancy. Give them a try and enjoy the fun of it. RECIPES.

Coeliac Associations and Charities around the world

There are quite a number of societies, charities and associations around the world that are of great help if you have to travel. Check them out and do a search if the one you are looking for is not here.

Follow us

Customer Service

Capital initiatives in this company are co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Enterprise Ireland under the Border, Midland and Western Regional Operational Programme 2014-2020. The aim of the initiative was to purchase assets to allow the company to increase productivity resulting in improved competitiveness.